The COVID-19 pandemic has forced industry members and consumers alike to think more deeply about the global supply chain and the processes and people that help keep it working. The Port of Portland is learning a lot of lessons that we hope will make us stronger for the years ahead.
First, bigger isn’t always better. The Port of Portland is experiencing more calls than in the last decade from shippers working to avoid congestion at West Coast ports. In a globally connected world, shippers need to have a variety of options — and backup options — to get their goods to market. And shipping companies are recognizing that diversity, flexibility, and variety are the best solutions, not just the largest container ships.
Second, when specialized ports do get new opportunities, it’s imperative to manage the peaks in volume, working with longshore labor and employers to quickly increase the workforce to meet demand. Portland has also benefited from creative use of space at terminals, shifting the boundaries of dedicated areas to meet surges in demand.
Finally, the supply chain industry needs to support its workers. Seafarers, primarily people of color, continue to experience significant issues with repatriation, some of them unable to get vaccinated as they travel in and out of countries ravaged by COVID-19. The Port of Portland has been grateful for the local groups of volunteer health workers that have visited vessels calling our terminals and provided vaccinations to visiting seafarers free of charge.